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Joel Embiid looks on as the 76ers await his potential return during their playoff series against the Celtics.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been without star center Joel Embiid for the first three series games in their first-round tie against the Boston Celtics. 

Heading into Game 4 on Sunday night, the 32-year-old Philadelphia star remains doubtful, but according to the latest reports, the chances of him not playing have been reduced.

Embiid is recovering from abdominal surgery he had just before the close of the regular season. 

The Sixers head into this must-win Game 4 trailing 2-1. They have made tough opponents of themselves without the former MVP, splitting the first two games on the road before dropping Game 3 at home. 

Joel Embiid’s Availability Under Speculation

Embiid went under the knife April 9 after being diagnosed with appendicitis. His initial return date wasn’t set in stone, but the belief was that he would miss at least a couple of games in the first round.

GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Sure enough, he missed the play-in as well as the first three games of this series, and via ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, a Game 4 appearance is possible but not yet solid.

“He is still doubtful for tonight’s game,” Botemps said. However, we have seen plenty of times in the past that Joel Embiid has gone from doubtful to playing. So I won’t necessarily take that to mean he isn’t going to play. But … this is an abdominal surgery that is a difficult thing to recover from. We are only two and a half weeks out from this surgery.”

Embiid’s “doubtful” status signifies that he is recovering well and any chance the series extends, he will play a huge part. He only played 38 games this season and despite the franchise learning how to get by without him, he is still needed for that added experience. 

What a Comeback Will Mean for the Sixers 

Without Embiid, the Sixers go-to guy offensively has been Tyrese Maxey. He has done his part, including 31 points against the Orlando Magic in the play-in game for the No. 7 seed, and is averaging 27 points in the first three games of the first round. However, they look incomplete without Embiid’s touch.

Philadelphia knows full well about Embiid’s documented injury history but would give anything at this point to have him on the floor. It remains the team’s best shot at turning this series around and aiming for a second-round appearance for the first time since 2023.

From the Sixers’ camp, there are positive signs on their star center, just a matter of getting a final clearance. 

Added Bontemps: “The Sixers said about a couple of hours before Friday night’s Game 3, ‘Joel Embiid is progressing well and the doctors are happy with where his recovery is at.’ He was not quite ready to go and play for them in that Game 3.” 

Bontemps also confirmed that Embiid took part in practice recently, which is a clear sign that a return is near. He has participated in on-court work and portions of team sessions, but a full return hasn’t been known if it will be in Game 4 or subsequent games in the series.

Even a limited return tonight could provide a massive emotional and tactical lift at home before the series heads back to Boston. It would give the Sixers a realistic shot to extend the series. 

Game 4 tips off tonight and for now, the focus remains on playing without their big man and hoping to even the series at 2-2. If Embiid passes a late clearance to play, it will be a bonus.